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Mike Lyvers

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25th April 2007

I have been fascinated by the wonders of the natural world all my life. Volcanoes in particular have been a special interest of mine ever since I saw eruptions in Japan as a child back in the 1960s. There is nothing more spectacular in nature than a volcanic eruption; however, this particular passion can entail risks. Shortly after the catastrophic eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980, my father and I hired a light plane to fly over the devastated area; we were astonished to see hundreds of square miles of blown-down forest as well as the battered remains of vehicles whose owners had not been able to escape in time. In 1987 two friends and I foolishly tried to climb Arenal volcano in Costa Rica and were nearly killed by a tremendous explosion that sent car-sized volcanic bombs raining down onto the slopes above us. In 1991 my wife Leslie and I narrowly escaped a deadly pyroclastic flow at Japan’s Mt. Unzen, while the famous volcanologists Maurice and Katia Kraft (as well as 42 others) were not so lucky. I have been fortunate to see eruptions in Japan, Indonesia, Italy, the South Pacific, Africa, Hawaii, North America, Central America and South America. Other passionate interests include surfing, caving, trekking in the mountains, eclipse chasing and adventure travel. I am originally from Southern California but have not lived there since 1990; from 1990 to 1992 I lived in Japan, then lived in various parts of Europe from 1992 to 1995. Since 1995 I have been living on the beautiful Gold Coast of Queensland Australia.

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Mike Lyvers's activity

  1. 02 Apr 2009

  2. Mike Lyvers reviewed Julian Alps in Slovenia

    "The region encompassing Slovenia's Julian Alps and the Karst country is fascinating to explore both above and below ground. This area has some of the most most spectacular caves in the world, as well as world class kayaking and rafting on the Soka River.…"

  3. 13 Jan 2009

  4. Mike Lyvers reviewed Mount Everest in Mount Everest, Nepal

    The region surrounding Mt. Everest contains 4 of the world’s 6 highest mountains and is arguably the most spectacular mountain region on Earth. Thousands of trekkers make pilgrimages to famous viewpoints such as Kala Pattar and Gokyo Ri each dry season …"

  5. 08 Aug 2008

  6. Mike Lyvers reviewed Port Campbell region in Victoria, Australia

    The coast east and west of Port Campbell on the south coast of Victoria attracts tourists from all over the world. Rock stacks, fjord-like inlets, sea caves, arches and other formations are abundant features of this rugged coastline. Highlights include t…"

  7. 22 Jul 2008

  8. Mike Lyvers reviewed Old San Juan in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    One of the oldest European cities in the Western Hemisphere, Old San Juan features narrow streets, quaint buildings, and the 16th century forts of El Morro and San Cristobal built by the Spanish to defend San Juan Harbor. The former has shell fragments f…"

  9. Mike Lyvers reviewed Sulphur Springs in Saint Lucia

    The steaming crater known as Sulphur Springs features vigorously boiling pools and small geysers of hot mud. The site was once mined for sulphur for the muskets of both the American and French revolutions. Nearby are the Botanical Gardens, with colorful …"

  10. Mike Lyvers reviewed St. Lucia in Saint Lucia

    St. Lucia vies with Moorea for the title of most beautiful tropical island in the world. The highlight is the southwest coast around the town of Soufriere, where the twin volcanic pinnacles known as the Pitons soar 2600 feet straight out of the bay. The …"

  11. 21 Jul 2008

  12. Mike Lyvers reviewed Underwater Martinique in Martinique

    Martinique has wonderful snorkelling and diving with a great variety of sites and some beautiful beaches."

  13. Mike Lyvers reviewed Ruins of St. Pierre in Martinique

    St. Pierre, once known as the Paris of the Caribbean, was completely annihilated in May 1902 along with its 30,000 inhabitants by the catastrophic eruption of Mont Pelee. Today visitors can explore some of the ruins from that disaster within the partiall…"

  14. Mike Lyvers reviewed Mont Pelee in Martinique

    On Ascension Day in May 1902, Mont Pelee erupted, incinerating the port city of St. Pierre - then known as the Paris of the Caribbean - and its 30,000 inhabitants in less than two minutes. This catastrophe shocked the world and was a seminal event in the…"

  15. 20 Jul 2008

  16. Mike Lyvers reviewed Papillote Rainforest Retreat in Dominica

    Rated in Conde Nast as one of the top 10 ecotourist destinations on earth, Papillote has stunningly beautiful rainforest gardens enclosing natural hot spring bathing pools beneath twin waterfalls that cascade down through the jungle from the volcanic hei…"

  17. Mike Lyvers reviewed Boiling Lake in Dominica

    The most famous sight on the lush Caribbean island of Dominica is the Boiling Lake, a small crater containing - as the name suggests - a boiling lake. This is only accessible to fit and experienced hikers, requiring a full day of hard hiking up and over …"

  18. Mike Lyvers reviewed Dominica in Dominica

    Dominica is perhaps the lushest, greenest, and most unspoiled of the major Caribbean islands. Go here to commune with nature, whether hiking the rainforest trails or exploring the undersea wonders off Dominica's spectacular coastline. Some of the highlig…"

  19. 17 Jul 2008

  20. Mike Lyvers reviewed Soufriere Hills Volcano in Montserrat

    The lush Caribbean island of Montserrat, once a hangout for wealthy rock stars, is now largely evacuated due to the eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano which destroyed the city of Plymouth and the entire southern half of the island. The volcano was …"

  21. 15 Jul 2008

  22. Mike Lyvers reviewed St. John in British Virgin Islands

    St. John has fantastic snorkelling. The best spots require either a hike or a boat to reach. The effort is rewarded by some of the finest coral gardens you'll find anywhere."

  23. Mike Lyvers reviewed Vieques Bioluminescent Bay in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Go only on a moonless night because the organisms don't glow if there is even a little moonlight. This is one of the highlights of the Caribbean. A kayak tour is best. Be sure to bring a diving mask and snorkel to view this astounding phenomenon underwa…"

  24. Mike Lyvers reviewed St. John in British Virgin Islands

    Most of St. John is part of the Virgin Islands National Park. The beaches and bays are renowned for their stunning beauty, and the diving and snorkelling are world-class."

  25. Mike Lyvers reviewed Devils Bay Beach in British Virgin Islands

    Devils Bay can be reached from The Baths via a 20-minute hike through a maze of towering granite boulders. The beach is just as pretty but generally less crowded than The Baths. Snorkelling from here around to The Baths is spectacular."

  26. 12 Feb 2008

  27. Mike Lyvers reviewed Caverns of Sonora in Deep South, United States

    This cave is unbelievably beautiful. It is most famous for its often photographed "crystalline butterfly" helictite formation."

  28. Mike Lyvers reviewed Ape Cave in US West Coast, United States

    This incredibly long lava tube survived the cataclysmic 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens. There are more interesting lava caves in the region but this one is easily accessible to the public. If you are hungry after hours of exploring this somewhat monoto…"

  29. Mike Lyvers reviewed The Pierre St Martin in Aquitaine Southwest, France

    This is one of the most famous cave systems in the world. It is devoid of formations but the scale of the cave is almost beyond comprehension. Those not into hard core caving can reach the gigantic Salle de la Verna (second largest cave chamber in the w…"

  30. Mike Lyvers reviewed Jewel Cave in Plains Midwest, United States

    Jewel is an amazingly complex maze, famous for its abundance of dogtooth spar crystals."

  31. Mike Lyvers reviewed Postonja Show Cave in Slovenia

    The magnificent show cave of Postonja is Europe's answer to America's Carlsbad Caverns. The first part of the tour consists of a wild train ride in which you are hurtled at high speeds through several kilometers of cave passage. Formations rush past in a…"

  32. 22 Jan 2008

  33. Mike Lyvers reviewed Malign Canyon in Alberta, Canada

    Beautiful slot canyon in marble near the town of Jasper in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. A trail follows the entire length of the canyon with views of waterfalls and cave springs in the depths below."

  34. 20 Jan 2008

  35. Mike Lyvers reviewed Grossglockner in Salzburg Province, Austria

    Austria's highest mountain, the Grossglockner, is one of the most beautiful in the Alps. Its great shining pyramid of ice and rock towers majestically over a vast glacier, Austria's largest. The glacier can be accessed from the popular viewpoint known as…"

  36. 15 Jan 2008

  37. Mike Lyvers reviewed Vercors Massif in Grenoble, France

    The Vercors Massif is not high but is spectacularly scenic. Towering limestone walls protect the upper reaches of this pre-alpine plateau cut with deep canyons and gorges. In some respects it resembles a European version of Venezuela's "Lost World." Seve…"

  38. Mike Lyvers reviewed Zugspitze in Tyrol, Austria

    The Zugspitze is the highest mountain in Germany, located in southern Bavaria near the charming town of Garmisch. The border with Austria runs right across the summit, which can be easily accessed via a spectacular cable car ride. The summit offers expan…"

  39. 03 Jan 2008

  40. Mike Lyvers reviewed Predjama Cave Castle in Slovenia

    This 15th century castle is unique for its spooky setting within the cliff entrance of an extensive cave system in the karst region of Slovenia."

  41. 27 Dec 2007

  42. Mike Lyvers reviewed Guethary in Aquitaine Southwest, France

    Classic French big wave reefbreak located a half km offshore. Holds any size and is best in winter."

  43. 26 Dec 2007

  44. Mike Lyvers reviewed Topkapi Palace of the Ottoman Sultans in Istanbul, Turkey

    Istanbul's famous Topkapi Palace is arranged within a series of large courtyards. A line of rooms facing an inner courtyard is used to display some of the incredible wealth of the Ottoman Sultans, including jewel-encrusted swords, thrones inlaid with cou…"

  45. 05 Dec 2007

  46. Mike Lyvers reviewed The Colca Valley & Canyon in Arequipa, Peru

    Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, the Colca Canyon is one of the deepest canyons in the world. Attractions include condor viewing, trekking, some fabulous outdoor hot springs, ancient pre-Incan tombs, and the unique and fascinating local indigenous cult…"

  47. 22 Nov 2007

  48. Mike Lyvers reviewed Grand Palace, Rattanakosin in Bangkok, Thailand

    Bangkok's Grand Palace, of "Anna and the King" fame, is a truly phantasmagorical place to explore with its complex of ultra-ornate and colorful buildings and temples. This was the official residence of the King of Siam from the 18th to the 20t…"

  49. Mike Lyvers reviewed Ao Phra Nang in Andaman Sea, Thailand

    The famous Ao Phra Nang is one of the most stunningly beautiful beaches on the planet. If you ever tire of swimming in the warm clear waters you can rockclimb the limestone walls nearby, or explore the Princess Cave which opens right onto the beach. Beca…"

  50. 21 Nov 2007

  51. Mike Lyvers reviewed Katanoi Beach in Phuket, Thailand

    Phuket's beaches are legendary and Katanoi is one of the prettiest. Great food, white sand, friendly locals, and the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea make Katanoi a special place."

  52. Mike Lyvers reviewed Krabi in Andaman Sea, Thailand

    The Krabi peninsula is one of a very few places on earth where dramatic jungle-clad karst towers rise from beaches of dazzling white sand. The stunning beaches of Railey and Ao Phra Nang are accessible only by boat. The scenery in this area is breathtaki…"

  53. 19 Nov 2007

  54. Mike Lyvers reviewed Sainte Cecile Cathedral in Albi, France

    This Southern Gothic cathedral is said to be the world's largest brick structure and was constructed from the 11th to the 14th century. Its fortress-like appearance makes it a very unusual looking cathedral, attractively situated on the banks of the Tarn…"

  55. 02 Nov 2007

  56. Mike Lyvers reviewed Machu Picchu in Machu Picchu region, Peru

    I agree with Kevin, Machu Picchu is best appreciated at dawn. This is truly one of the most remarkable archaeological sites on earth. I'd say give it a couple of days to see as much as you can. Climb the pinnacle of Huayna Picchu as well as hike to the …"

  57. 28 Oct 2007

  58. Mike Lyvers reviewed Walk from Podkoren to Bohinj in Villach, Slovenia

    The region encompassing Slovenia's Julian Alps and the Karst country is fascinating to explore both above and below ground. This area has some of the most most spectacular caves in the world, as well as world class kayaking and rafting on the Soka River…"

  59. 26 Oct 2007

  60. Mike Lyvers reviewed Dachstein Giant Ice Cave in Styria, Austria

    Along with the Eisreisenwelt (also in Austria), the Dachstein-Rieseneishöhle (Dachstein Giant Ice Cave) is one of the best show caves for seeing large ice formations."

  61. Mike Lyvers reviewed Castle of La Latte in Brittany, France

    This 13th century seaside castle located in northern Brittany is a popular tourist attraction for its great setting, and has also long been used as a film location for many movies about knights and such."

  62. Mike Lyvers reviewed Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

    The world-famous Hagia Sophia (Church of Wisdom) was built on the orders of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, and for over a millennium was the world’s largest church. It was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century, …"

  63. Mike Lyvers reviewed Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

    One of the highlights of Istanbul, the huge and magnificent early 17th century Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is a stunning visual extravaganza inside and out. it is considered the last great mosque of the classical period. Istanbul …"

  64. Mike Lyvers reviewed Milan Cathedral in Milan, Italy

    One of the largest churches in the world, and the world's second largest Gothic cathedral, the Duomo di Milano is an absolutely stunning architectural achievement."

  65. Mike Lyvers reviewed Rottenbuch Church in Bavaria, Germany

    Second only to the Wies Church in terms of the Rococo extravagance of its interior, the Rottenbuch Church is similar in style and located only a short drive from the Wies Church. These twin Bavarian jewels, the Wies and Rottenbuch churches, are among the…"

  66. Mike Lyvers reviewed Wies Church in Freiburg, Germany

    Located in rural southern Bavaria in the foothills of the Alps, the unassuming exterior of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Wies Church gives no hint of the glories within. The Rococo interior is one of the most extravagantly decorated of any church in t…"

  67. 24 Oct 2007

  68. Mike Lyvers reviewed Supai in the Havasupi Indian Reservation in Southwest Desert, United States

    Supai is a native American village situated deep in Havasu Canyon, a branch of the western Grand Canyon. Located on the Havasupai Indian Reservation, it is the most remote settlement in the 'lower 48' United States. Reaching Supai requires a 65-mile driv…"

  69. Mike Lyvers reviewed Annapurna Sanctuary Trek in Nepal

    This popular trek can be done in several ways, but a particularly scenic route is to follow the first part of the Jomson Trek up Poon Hill for the views of Dhaulagiri and the Kali Gandaki canyon, then follow a connecting trail to the Annapurna Sanctuary …"

  70. Mike Lyvers reviewed Alternative Everest: Gokyo Ri Trek in Nepal

    The trek to Gokyo Ri is a popular alternative or add-on to the Everest Base Camp/Kalapattar trek. After Namche Bazaar, instead of continuing up the Dudi Khosi valley you turn left up the Gokyo valley, eventually passing a series of lovely high altitude l…"

  71. Mike Lyvers reviewed Mont Blanc Circuit Trek in Piedmont-Northeast, Italy

    Wild ibex are commonly seen in summer. Some of the scenic highlights of the hike include the views from Lac Blanc on the Chamonix side and from Val Veni on the Italian side. In terms of scenery this would have to rate as one of the very best mountain hi…"

  72. 22 Oct 2007

  73. Mike Lyvers reviewed Rhine Falls in Switzerland

    The Rhine Falls, "Europe's Niagara," constitute Europe's largest waterfall by volume. Located in northern Switzerland near the German border, the Rhine Falls are 150 m (450 ft) wide and 23 m (75 ft) high. Trails lead right to the edge of the thundering f…"

  74. 19 Oct 2007

  75. Mike Lyvers reviewed Lake Tovel in Bolzano, Italy

    Situated in the Trentino region of the Italian Alps, Lake Tovel is a lovely and unspoiled alpine lake known for the unusual colors of its waters."